Through the centuries, Lille was developed around the river Deûle. Located in the Flanders plain, the city has been strongly influenced politically and culturally, and some of them are still present on the façades of ancient architectures.

Few places in France with such an architectural diversity: from Flanders to France passing by Burgundy and Spain, Lille was developed as an eclectic place, rich from past but also present exchanges.

Trading place from the Middle Ages, then an industrial place (19th and 20th centuries), Lille is today a tertiary place (services, trade center…) but also a touristic area. All activities reinforced by its exceptional location and the transport offers (TGV, Eurostar, Thalys, motorways, the international airport in Lesquin...). In the heart of Europe and so close to capitals as Paris, Brussels, London or Amsterdam...

By the way culture is today one of the most important activities and attractions of the city: le “Palais des beaux Arts” (Fine Arts museum) and Lille3000 are the main highlights! Exhibitions and festivals punctuate the daily life and allow tourist and visitor to discover the different aspects of a city rich from its identities!

Lille is waiting for you!

Don't missed

Le palais Rihour and the îlot Comtesse.

Le Palais des Beaux-Arts : one of the most important Fine Arts in France after the Louvre Museum.

La Place du Théâtre and the Belfry of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Euralille: this modern district with futurist architectures was developed around the TGV station « Lille Europe », Lille Grand Palais (exhibition and congress hall, theatre) and the shopping centre “Euralille”. Many famous architects and town planners worked on the creation and development of the district : Rem Koolhaas, Jean Nouvel, Christian de Portzamparc, Claude Vasconi...

The hospice Comtesse Museum: in the heart of the old district « Vieux-Lille », the museum is by itself a summary of urban architecture from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. Rooms inspired by flemish and dutch interiors present paintings, ceramics and furnitures....

The Wazemmes market: one the most important markets in France, and obviously one of the most busy. Quite often it’s possible to ear some accordion, in a coloured and broadminded atmosphere

Gastronomy

Parties /Events

Lille3000: this three-yearly festival invites to discover culture through creations from modern and contemporary artists from Lille and other places worldwide.

Accordion Festival in Wazemmes (May-June).

“Lille aux saveurs » Festival: to discover by tasting regional products. Activities on the place Rihour

« Lille piano(s) festival » (June)

The « grande Braderie de Lille» (flea market): Every first week end of September, Lille is transformed into the more important flea market in Europe. Nearly two million people pace up and down the animated and lively streets of the city.

To discover Lille

Lille Métropole City Pass: a practical must-have, the Lille Metropole City Pass is the answer to all your visiting needs, whether you’re staying one day or longer !

The Lille City Tour: air-conditioned minibus equiped with audio and video system takes you on a 50mn discovery tour of the city, passing the most famous sites of Lille. All year round, everyday, every hour! Every hour from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm (except at 1.00 pm). No tours on January 1, May 1, 1st week end of September, December 25.

Guides tours with official guides.

Free walks with « Lille Promenades » (5 routes in the different districts of the city).